“Mark 12:28-34”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
Gospel: (Mark 12:28-34 / The Greatest Commandment)
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.”
Reflection: My Friends,
I'm not sure what part of this scripture you like, but my favorite part is, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" That just says it all and it essence sums up the reality of how we should be spending our lives. A love like this is really beyond human understanding to some degree. We need to be "consumed" by our thoughts of Jesus, never seeking our own. Let us seriously use this Lenten Season to toughen up and be more loyal and devoted to Jesus; like never before.
Questions To Reflect Upon:
-Is Jesus really first in your life?
-And are your neighbors (others) really second?
-Why must we love God, why do think so?
-Do you spend time every day, keeping God first?
(Commit to sometime before the Eucharist,
today is First Friday and tomorrow is First Saturday)
Eucharistic Adoration, one day a month to start.
Pondering these thoughts today:
With all your heart: Love Jesus more than anyone else in a way like no one else. He deserves every piece of love you can give Him. He died for each of us, to save us. He paid for all our sin in full.
With all your soul: Allow your soul (the Holy Spirit) to seek Him out. Fully embracing Him. There is a part inside each of us that is specifically made for Him, Allow Him to consume you.
With all your mind: 24/7/365, I know that may sound over the top, but personally I love it. Do not let a day or en event, or anything go by, without having God, our Lord on your mind.
With all your strength: Never allow anyone to sway you away from God, BE BOLD!!!! That says it all, stop backing off, don't be scared. Let's follow Jesus' lead and boldly proclaim the Father.
Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
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